The urban + artsy River North area of Chicago is one of my favorites. Let me begin this blog with my most professional food blogger sounding summary. Located right across from the Loop and bordering the Magnificent Mile, River North is a trendy and growing neighborhood that has become one of my go-to healthy eating areas of Chicago. I have also found it to be the easiest to navigate for gluten free eating. And since I'm artsy, I love the creative current running through River North, as many of its abandoned warehouses have converted to artist studios boasting a vibrant art and design scene.

Hi-Vibe Organic Juicery {160 W KINZIE ST. CHICAGO, IL 60654}

I had been seeing Instagram posts about Hi-Vibe Juicery FOR-EVA. So it was on my lengthy to-visit-while-in-Chicago list for awhile. It's a very exhaustive list - my weekends there are pretty much eat -> find next restaurant -> eat -> repeat.

Kill shot -perfect way to combat germs and pollution from walking around the city

I was SO impressed to see that they not only offered organic, cold pressed juices, but so many other fabulous gluten free items right up my alley: acai & pitaya bowls, superfood smoothies, Bulletproof Coffee, chaga & matcha teas, grass-fed activated bone broth, and other healthy snacks. YASSSSS. However, although they have breakfast items, this is very much a grab-n-go place - it's tiny!

The cafe + lounge, located inside a renovated 1920s Art Deco building turned Freehand Hotel, has a dreamy vibe - earthy, retro, cozy and laid back. They offer some of Nicaragua's finest coffees - pour over + cold brews, local teas, and other beverages. They also have a breakfast menu, or get the matcha tea pudding with lavender honey for a quick snack!

Later on, hit up heir award winning bar- the Broken Shaker. And then if you drink too much, just stay the night at the hotel. Sounds like a plan to me!

This farm fresh comfort food hot spot, will likely be packed whenever you visit. It's a casual, industrial diner vibe with natural light coming in through the skylights. {note: not safe for Celiacs}

credit: barry breckeisen

I knew I had made the right decision when I saw Channing Tatum's stamp of approval on the wall.

Holy biscuits, Batman. Hash House is just insane. I have never missed bread in the four years I've been gluten free, with this brunch being the exception. The biscuits were the size of mini planets. Actually, everything is. The portions are everything that is wrong and wonderful about America. I had to take a picture of this biscuit before I gave it to someone else.

There are lots of gluten free options here, but you're safe with most of the scrambles and hashes. OMG the avocado, applewood bacon, red onion, swiss hash was OFF THE CHARTS. Just get it. Also, I would steer clear of the potato wedges and just go for the garlic mashed - anything fried runs a chance of having gluten in the breading or frying oil.

For those not avoiding gluten - they are known for their sage fried chicken and waffles. It's the most ridiculous thing I've ever seen. Their bloody marys are pretty legit as well, or so I hear.

Roti Modern Mediterranean {multiple locations}

It's basically the Chipotle of Mediterranean food and I can't get enough. Also, you can get alcohol at most locations, the price point is super affordable, and it's fast casual. Perfect for a fast lunch or dinner.

this is what i got. and whatever it was, it was amazing.

You basically go through the line and choose a pita, wrap, or salad, or rice bowl. Then you customize it with toppings and proteins. The only issue is you'll want everything. So I suggest just getting the bowl, or you won't be able to fit your mouth around it. Here is the menu so you can see what's up.

credit: food network

Wildfire {159 W. Erie Chicago, IL}

Wildfire is a dark and cozy steakhouse with Italian music playing and those cute little mini lamps on the tables. So, in my book, they're already #winning.

This would be a place for both gluten sensitive and Celiacs. They have a GIGANTIC gluten free menu you can check out here. I have never seen quite a large selection of gluten free items, nor such attentive waiters. As soon as I requested a gluten free menu, he brought me out some special bread. #points

I ordered the Moroccan chicken skewers appetizer and the lemon pepper chicken for dinner with grilled balsamic veggies. Both were fabulous! They also wayyyy overdo it on the portion sizes, so I would definitely just stick to dinner next time.

Eataly {43 East Ohio Street | Chicago, Illinois}

YOU'VE GOT TO GO TO EATALY- a 50,000 sq. foot multilevel Italian market with various restaurants, a gelato station, a coffee bar, a wine bar, a pizzeria, (BEST GF PIZZA OF YOUR LIFE), and a Nutella bar. You heard me. Their pastas, breads, and mozzarella are made fresh daily, which elevates their food to a whole new level of awesomeness. Click here to view all the different eateries. Eventually I will have to do an entire post on Eataly because it's just that massive and that amazing.

Wondering who's the mysterious wordy genius behind these posts? Follow this little rabbit trail to read more About Me! The use of the term genius is open to interpretation. Like just about everything else on this site

Celery and the City | a blunt talking health + wellness blog

Celery and the City is blunt talking, allergen friendly lifestyle and health blog. Tips and resources on toxin free living, wellness, detox, whole foods eating, love and life.

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Hi! I'm Brit, and I live on the other side of the fence, where everything is greener. I'm a blunt talking writer + wedding photographer on the path to healing holistically from Epstein Barr, severe adrenal fatigue, SIBO, and a slew of other issues. I've learned a lot along the way, and maybe sharing my journey can help you with yours? I'm currently navigating thirty-something life and I never tire of people asking when I'll have kids. I can be found eating an acai bowl while wearing a wife beater. I call this trashy healthy. More than you ever wanted to know about me here.

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The advice given on this website is intended for informational purposes only and is not written by medical professionals. Readers should not act upon any information provided on this website without seeking advice from a licensed physician.